Calistoga’s Chien Blanc

Calistoga Food & Music: At our only light in town, Herb Gibson’s performs classic jazz at Brannan’s on weekends. During Summer months this venue is expanded to include Thursdays and holidays. Brannan’s is a beautifully designed restaurant with a great bar and a good menu. Across the street, the Hydro Bar and Bistro features weekend music and a more casual faire. Sunday, Dennis Huber’s Swing 7 Big Band performs.

Calistoga Inn and Brewery has an idyllic garden venue along the Napa River. In Summer months they’ve expanded to evening jazz and blues programs. Lunatic Fringe play weekends in their corner bar. At Café Pacifico try authentic Mexican and Music. Other specialty dining favorites are Wappo Bistro, Flat Iron Grill and the All Seasons Café . More casual dining includes, Checkers and Bosko’s .

Calistoga dining secret: Puerto Vallarta located next to the Cal Mart, excellent and authentic Mexican and Buster’s Barbeque on Foothill Blvd. Just across from Indian Springs on Lincoln, you’ll find Kitani, a great Sushi Restaurant. Bright and inviting

Calistoga Breakfast & Goodies….. Sarafornia,,, THE place for breakfast and lunch. Get there early on the weekends! Good food and good people. The Coffee Roastery is undeniably the best coffee shop in town. Enjoy a breakfast sandwich or toasted bagel in a comfortable, well appointed space. Schats Bakery is touch of Europe with on-premise baking. Fresh scones and pastries. It’s pleasant and comfortable, but small.

Napa Valley Food & Music Downtown St. Helena has some wonderful shopping and restaurants. Lately, Lauren and I have enjoyed the Martini House, Cooks and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen. Everyone should visit Tra Vigne on Charter Way. It may be the most unique restaurant for both food and architecture.

You can visit the school at the Culinery Institute of America or have a wonderful meal in their Greystone Restaurant. Originally, the Christian Brother’s created this beautiful and historic winery with views of mountains and vineyards below.

St. Helena has some unique stops for lighter faire. You can picnic on the lawn at Taylor’s Refresher and have your favorite sandwich made to perfection. V. Sattui Winery has also provides a comfortable outside venue to taste your wine and have lunch.

Going down Valley other favorites are the Rutherford Grill, the Oakville Grocery and Brix on 29. If you turn into Yountville, the list is endless. Yountville in the home of the famous French Laundry, Bouchons and Pere Jeanty. Great breakfast at Gordon’s General Store.

Downtown Napa favorites are Belle Arti , the Chop House, ZuZu and Angele are among our downtown favorites. On Hwy29, try Don Giovanni’s with superb Italian cuisine.

Napa Valley secrets:
Auberge du Soleil , along the Silverado Trail is a Rutherford mountainside resort ….At the blue signage along the Silverado make the turn up the hill, valet park your car and take in the luxury of this picturesque 5 star hotel. It has a great deck overlooking Rutherford and the Mayacamus Mountain range, where you can enjoy a great glass of wine and burger. If you can visit their sculpture garden below, you won’t forget it……

Meadowood Resort in St. Helena along the Silverado Trail is quiet and intimate. Visit their Grill that has a comfortable and casual Brunch. The property appears private but just drive slowly through the gate and have a look

The Olive Factory. Again, in St. Helena go east on Charter Way past Tra Vigne to the end of the block and visit the Olive Factory. A family run store, that raises the level of the lonely olive, in this grape loving world.

Calistoga’s Great Wineries: Here are just a few of the many local Calistoga wineries.

As you drive north on Hwy 29, try ZATILLA Winery just past the stop sign at Silverado Trail. Continuing north on 29, just a ½ mile to Greenwood, turn left to VINCENT ARROYO . His wine is superb and the intimate friendly atmosphere introduces you to the real Napa Valley. Just a little further on Hwy 29 turn down Tubbs lane to CHATEAU MONTELENA. It’ has spectacular grounds, wonderful wines and perfect views.

Go South on the Silverado Trail to Dunaweal Lane, turn right, to visit both CLOS PEGASE, and STERLING Wineries. Take the tram to the mountaintop Sterling Winery, then visit CLOS PEGASE for a mixture of Art and Wines. As you drive the Silverado Trail visit J. Paul Dumont at SILVER ROSE, try the tasting room and picnic area of CUVAISON or taste the famous ROMBAUER Chardonnay.

Winery Secrets: SCHRAMSBERG Champagne Cellars off Hwy 29, just south of town but you’ll need an appointment. STORYBOOK Vineyards, on Hwy 128 north of Calistoga about 3 miles. It also is by appointment but if you like Zin, Storybook is the place.
Still building this list: More to come! But I’m tired now! Rockey

Wine Regions of Calistoga
Napa
Dry Creek
Russian River
Healdsburg.